Richmond continued to step up its pre-season with a match simulation on Wednesday afternoon at the Swinburne Centre.
In front of the Tiger Army at the Club's twilight Summer Session, the Tigers played out three 20-minute periods. Grouped into two teams, one in Yellow and the other in Red, a number of VFL-listed players also took part.
The competitive clash gave fans plenty to be excited about, the playing group showing cohesion and intensity as they put their pre-season preparations to the test.
The Yellow team started strongly and was ahead by 19 points at the first break, but the Red side clawed back, led by second-year Tiger Steely Green who was lively with four goals, as well as classy midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.
Dynamic forward Shai Bolton was another standout, booting multiple goals for the Yellow team including two in a minute, to bring the final score to Yellow 10.6 (66) to Red 9.9 (63).
Superstar Dustin Martin found plenty of the football as he dominated through the midfield early, before sitting out the remainder due to being on managed minutes.
Tough young Tiger Rhyan Mansell, 23, looks set for an exciting year after shining with two majors in the opening stages, showcasing his forward pressure.
Thomson Dow was another cub who turned heads ahead of the season's start. The 22-year-old inside midfielder was quick, clean and evasive, linking up well with his teammates.
Absent from the match sim were Tom Lynch, who is still working back from his foot injury, Nathan Broad through illness, Nick Vlastuin due to concussion protocols, and Dylan Grimes because of a calf issue.
Fans would have been excited to see third-year key defender Josh Gibcus back in action after his 2023 season was hampered by injury.
They also got their first glimpse at draftees Kane McAuliffe and Liam Fawcett, and recruit Jacob Koschitzke.
Liam Baker and Jack Graham were important contributors and both hit the scoreboard, as did Noah Cumberland and Tyler Sonsie.
Graham said "both teams showed some pretty exciting stuff".
"It was pretty solid, both teams went at it, it was a good hit-out. First proper real three-quarter crack together," he said.
"It was exciting. A few boys showed plenty of the hard work that they've worked on over the pre-season, and it was good to see it out there."
The midfielder praised Richmond captain Toby Nankervis for his work-rate and guidance.
"He was probably leading the charge, with his ruck craft, communication and leadership," Graham said.
Richmond's opening pre-season clash is now less than three weeks away, with the Tigers set to come up against Melbourne in a match simulation on Saturday, February 18 at Casey Fields.
"(Today's) put us in great stead to go down to Casey Fields. Melbourne are a quality team and we like putting ourselves up against the best. We're looking forward to that," Graham said.
The Tigers will then face old rival Collingwood in an official pre-season game at Ikon Park on Tuesday, February 27, kicking off the AFL Community Series.
